Biotechnological platform chemicals from residual materials

To create a green chemistry of the future, chemical processes must overcome their strong dependence on fossil raw materials – and sustainable alternatives must be developed.

At the same time, millions of tons of biogenic waste and CO₂ from point sources remain unused in Germany every year – an enormous potential for the transformation toward a fossil‑free future.

Solution approach

The funded research project BIOPACE aims to convert mixed residual and waste material streams into valuable platform chemicals such as 2,3‑butanediol and 2‑butanol through innovative biotechnological processes. These are then used as starting materials for the chemical synthesis of durable, bio‑based polymers. The process combines optimized dark fermentation with targeted microbial production and subsequent chemical conversion – resulting, for example, in a plastic that can replace plastics made from fossil raw materials, such as polystyrene. By binding carbon long‑term in these materials, the project makes an active contribution to reducing greenhouse gases.

Practical relevance and sustainability

BIOPACE addresses the increasing decarbonization pressure on chemical processes and, in the long term, creates new value chains for previously unused waste streams. The modular process design enables flexible adaptation to different raw material sources and gradual scaling. In addition to ecological benefits – such as the establishment of genuine carbon sinks – the project also promotes technological innovations at the interface between biotechnology and chemistry.

Profile

• Funding amount: Around 1,000,000 euros
• Duration: 01.12.25–30.11.28
• Participants:
  • Dr. Miriam Edel, Hamburg University of Technology (Molecular Biology)
  • Prof. Dr. Johannes Gescher, Hamburg University of Technology (Technical Microbiology)
  • Prof. Dr. Gerrit Albert Lunistra, University of Hamburg (Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry)